(
CRYPTOcurrency ransomware) A synonym for ransomware because cryptography is used to both encrypt the user's data and pay the ransom. Ransomware typically demands payment in Bitcoin, and hundreds of millions of dollars have been extorted via ransomware.
Private or Public Keys
Crypto ransomware encrypts the compromised computer using private key or public key cryptography. The private key method (PrCR) uses a secret key at both ends, but the key can be determined with sufficient analysis because the key is embedded in the compromised computer. The public key method (PuCR) is nearly impossible to resurrect because the attacker holds the private key. Contrast with
locker ransomware. See
ransomware and
public key cryptography.